Mental Health Days - We All Need Them!
We all experience some level of stress and anxiety in our lives and constant exposure to it can cause an array of health issues. It’s important to take breaks even when there are deadlines, finals, and projects to complete so we can avoid burnout. Taking mental health days off work or plans can be a great way to offer yourself some self-care. Though, that’s a lot easier said than done. With our work culture, it’s easy to forget that we need time to rest, recharge, and do something we enjoy. It does not necessarily have to be productive, in fact, it may be better to do (or not do) something simply because you want to.
Why should you take a mental health day?
To recharge, reset, and reflect - If you can take sick days off, take them! On these days, you can take a nap, watch your favorite show or movie, or spend much needed downtime. This can be a time to reflect on your current schedule and ask yourself, is this healthy and sustainable? What can you do to make it more manageable and less likely for you to feel overwhelmed?
We are not meant to work 24/7. It’s not healthy to normalize a lack of work-life balance. If you feel like you are consumed by your work or studies, how can you implement little ways to allow yourself to take a breather? It can be detrimental to your health if you go too long without taking a break. So, what can you do? Go on a walk, cook a healthy or cozy meal, practice yoga and meditation, or call a friend. Tending to other parts of your life will allow you to practice a more balanced lifestyle.
It’s a step towards taking care of your mental health. Your mental health impacts every aspect of your life, so it’s necessary to make time for it. If you keep going and going, eventually your body will force you to take a break. Before it gets to that point, how can you determine when you might benefit from a mental health day?
When to know you need to take a mental health day:
You notice significant changes in your mood
You’re beginning to feel under the weather
You can’t sustain your attention like you used to
You are always tired, fatigued, irritable
You experience changes in your regular daily habits
By connecting with yourself and looking inward, you will discover when you need to make time for yourself. Of course, it can be difficult to set aside time or take time off of work when it’s not always feasible. Mental health days can also be split into hours of the day when you’re able to prioritize them. They can be beneficial to your overall health and ultimately prevent burnout and exhaustion. We hope that this blog inspires you to take more time for yourself.
